New York Jets: Why Mark Sanchez Is Still Playing for His Job

Nick Laham/Getty ImagesMark Sanchez and Tim Tebow share a moment with their teammates in the huddle

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After the New York Jets 35-9 blowout win over the Indianapolis Colts Sunday, a lot of heat was taken off quarterback Mark Sanchez.

In the week leading up to the game, Sanchez had been the target of much criticism and the chants for Tim Tebow were growing louder and louder by the minute.

Apparently an 82-yard, 11-18 performance is enough to silence critics. Tim Smith from the New York Daily Timeswrote:

With the game Sanchez had against Indianapolis, he dialed down the noise surrounding the Jets’ quarterback situation for at least a week.

Really? Is a double-digit passing performance really enough to quiet those clamoring for a change at quarterback?

Surprisingly, the 82-yard total is only the third lowest of Sanchez's career. He threw for 63 yards in the regular season finale his rookie year, and 74 yards in the Jets season debut in 2010.

Sanchez was supported by a run game that exploded for 252 yards on 40-plus carries and a stout defense that didn't allow a touchdown.

The Jets may not always be so lucky to have Sanchez sling the ball only 18 times in a game. The situation against the Colts was the ideal way for the Jets to record a win and it will not happen every week. Rex, Sanchez and Tebow all know that.

Sanchez is not completely to blame for the Jets struggles on offense — they have no weapons. Santonio Holmes was the offense's best player and he is lost for the season with a foot injury.

Who should be the Jets starting quarterback?

Tim TebowMark SanchezSubmit Votevote to see results

Who should be the Jets starting quarterback?

Tim Tebow

48.1%

Mark Sanchez

51.9%

Total votes: 183

The arguments for Tebow that were made last week still are valid this week. He can do more with less and is a much better leader.

There were reports prior to Sunday's game that Sanchez was losing trust within his own locker room. LaDainian Tomlinson told Sports Illustrated's Richard Deitsch before the team took on the Colts:

"Talking to guys in the Jets locker room, they are starting not to trust [Mark] Sanchez as a football player.” – LaDainian Tomlinson

Tebow has been relegated to a gimmick in the Jets playbook, but he has more value than that. It is hard to take anything serious that Skip Bayless says nowadays, but he had a great point in a tweet he published Sunday, saying:

Two of best Jets' plays ignited by Tebow. Spread option give to Greene, Then pass from punt formation. They barely use him, still saves 'em.

Sunday's game against the Patriots will be telling. If Sanchez doesn't play well, expect the Tebow supporters to come back with a vengeance. Make no mistake — there is still a quarterback controversy in New York.